The Parable on Prayer-Ask, Seek & Knock
The Lords Prayer
Matthew 6:9-13 KJV
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Questions…
Is prayer really worth the effort?
Would your prayer track record inspire anyone else to pray?
Can you name the last fiver prayers that God answered for you?
Our prayer life has nothing to do with religiosity, but about a very intimate, dynamic relationship with Christ where we see prayers answered.
2017 Survey Results about prayer habits of people:
An average prayer only lasts under 5 minutes
37% of people say that they pray only once a day
33% of people regularly participate in collective prayer
79% of people pray for themselves and their own needs
ONLY 21% of people pray for other people
How many times have you given up on prayer?
Do you give up on other things in your life as well?
Perseverance in prayer is KEY.
Luke 11:1
“Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”
3 Basic Principles for Persevering in Prayer
1. ASK
Luke 11:9
So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
God doesn’t entertain prayers that are selfish or carnal—“OK, God I want this.” or “OK, God I want to win the $367 million dollar Power Ball.”
4 Basic Ways of Asking in Prayer
Ask in Faith
James 1:5-8
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Obedience
1 John 3:22-23
And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
According to God’s Will
Abiding in Christ
John 15:7-8
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
2. SEEK
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
3. KNOCK
Luke 11:9
So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.